About Frederick County Ag

Frederick County has 1,373 farms. These farms cover a total of 188,567 acres, which is approximately 44% of the total land in the county. Frederick County has a diverse agriculture sector. Livestock raised include dairy and beef cattle, swine, sheep, and goats. Crops grown include corn, soybeans, wheat, forages, vegetables, and fruits. The county also has a growing craft beverage industry.

Contact us

301-600-3571
sabsum@umd.edu Sabrina Summers, Nutrient Management Advisor

301-600-3576
lstrong@umd.edu Lisa Strong, Agriculture Administrative Assistant

University programs, activities, and facilities are available to all without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, age, national origin, political affiliation, physical or mental disability, religion, protected veteran status, genetic information, personal appearance, or any other legally protected class.

Upcoming Programs

Sign up for the Nutrient Voucher Training/Recertification & Private Pesticide Applicator Recertification on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 - Nutrient Voucher from 6:00 - 8:00 pm, Private Pesticide Applicator from  7:00 - 9:00 pm.

Extension Events

To see what Agriculture related events and workshops are upcoming visit this webpageAgriculture & Food Systems Meetings and Events

For a variety of events and workshops, scroll through the Extension Event Calendar.  Check out the latest news and research Extension is working on. 

Extension News & Events

Women in Agriculture

As the USDA reports, the number of women involved in agriculture has grown in recent years. MidAtlantic Women in Agriculture is dedicated to providing knowledge and resources to women who share a passion for agriculture. 

Webinars are offered the second Tuesday of each month.  They are FREE and open to all!  Listing of webinars is on our website. To watch previous webinars go to our webpage.

Maryland Beef Webinar Series

Available recorded Webinars 

Private Applicator Pesticide Training and Exam

If you're looking to acquire a Private Applicator's License, there are a few ways to do this:

  1. We offer optional in-person training each fall; the exam is usually administered the following week. Check here for upcoming training -  Pesticide Trainings/Meetings
  2. If no in-person trainings are available nearby, online training is available at https://umeagfs.teachable.com/ scroll down to Maryland Pesticide Private Applicator Optional Training button. Exams are available to take in Denton, Boonsboro, or Annapolis when MDA offers their commercial exams, every 2 months but subject to change.  See the commercial pesticide exam dates on MDA's website and who to contact to advise that you will be attending the exam and to find out what you will need the day of the exam.

Core manuals are available as a free download, you can also purchase the manual for $10.00 from our office with cash/check. If you need to purchase other manuals please refer to the National Pesticide Safety Education Center.  Maryland commercial applicator manuals available to purchase include - Commercial Applicator Core Manual, Agricultural Pest Control, Aquatic Pest Control, Ornamentals & Turf Pest Control.  

Additional information can be found on our Pesticide Safety and Training webpage

Some things to note for the day of the exam:

  • Exam is administered by the Maryland Department of Agriculture
  • CELL PHONES AND OTHER ELECTRONIC DEVICES (EXCEPT FOR A CALCULATOR) ARE NOT ALLOWED IN THE EXAM ROOM.

Private Applicator Pesticide Credits

If you are in need of credits to recertify your Private Applicator Pesticide license,  check here to  view dates and places for Pesticide Recertification - 

Pesticide Trainings/Meetings 

For more information go to our Pesticide Safety and Training web page. You can also Enroll in a self-paced online class to receive credits for recertification at https://umeagfs.teachable.com/. Scroll down to the Private Pesticide Applicator ReCertification button.

Nutrient Management Voucher Applicator Credits

To view dates and places for Nutrient Voucher Training/Recertification go to -  

FTC and Nutrient Management Voucher Trainings/Meetings 

Additional ways to recertify:

  1. Agricultural Nutrient Management Training Program (MDA). Upcoming available classes that offer credits.
  2. Additional online webinars (MDA). Print out the quiz before you start watching the program so you can follow along. All your answers must be correct to earn CEUs. Mail completed quiz no later than 3 business days after you view the program to MDA at the address provided on the quiz.  Be sure to keep a copy for your records.

 

Ag Frequently Asked Questions

Looking for help on your farm?  Take a look at A Guide To Custom Operators. If you are a custom operator and would like to be added to our resource guide, sign up here.

Land Rental Rates - USDA, National Agriculture Statistics Service (NASS) Cash Rental Rates.

Lease Agreements

Maryland FarmLink is a website that helps Maryland farmers buy, sell, and lease farmland as well as connect with other farmers. This website is run by the Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission.

Sources of Technical Assistance, Education, and Support for Farmers in Frederick County Maryland

Ag Links to Resources

Frederick County Extension Ag Facebook page
 
University of Maryland (home page)
University of Maryland Extension (home page)
Catoctin & Frederick Soil Conservation (home page)

The soil conservation and water quality efforts in the county are channeled through the Soil Conservation District (SCD). The SCD works closely with the Farm Service Agency and Natural Resources Conservation Service to install conservation practices and write conservation plans. The SCD also promotes environmental conservation to the public. Frederick County has two District Boards (Frederick & Catoctin), which are made up of farmers from the county.

Frederick County Government (home page)

  • Frederick County Office of Economic Development - The Office of Economic Development works to increase the overall economic health of Frederick County by attracting new businesses and help existing businesses be more successful. Since agriculture is one of the key industries in the county, the Office of Economic Development assists farmers with promoting agriculture and walking through regulations for items such as zoning and value-added products. Homegrown Frederick, a website and annual magazine that promotes local farms, is published by the Office of Economic Development.

  • Frederick County Agricultural Land Preservation Program - The Agricultural Land Preservation office administers a variety of local, state, and federal land preservation programs focused on protecting agricultural lands. These preservation programs provide many opportunities to the farmers of Frederick County to protect the future of their farmlands and promote natural resource industries.

  • Frederick County Weed Control - 301-600-1586 Frederick County Weed Control operates through a joint partnership between the county government and the Maryland Department of Agriculture. Weed Control enforces the State Weed Control Law which regulates johnsongrass, shattercane, and thistles. They also provide technical assistance to landowners for initiating noxious weed control programs.

  • Maryland Department of Health (MDH), Frederick County Office - The Environmental Health Services Division of the MDH oversees regulations dealing with wells, septic systems, food service facilities, farmers markets, cottage food businesses, and value-added products.

Future Harvest Chesapeake Alliance for Sustainable Agriculture (Future Harvest CASA)

Future Harvest CASA provides education, networking, and advocacy to help build a sustainable Chesapeake foodshed; protect our land, water, and air; and provide healthy, nutritious food that sustains the region’s communities and cities. Future Harvest CASA offers field days, meetings, conferences, as well as a Beginning Farmer Training Program.
 

Hay and Straw for Sale
Homegrown Frederick

Homegrown Frederick is a place where you can find local products, Farmers' Markets, learn about area farms and what is going on in the Ag community.

Maryland Agricultural & Resource-Based Industry Development Corporation

MARBICO is a quasi-public economic development organization that helps Maryland’s farm, forestry, and seafood businesses achieve sustainability and profitability. They offer loan and grant programs for farmers and rural business owners, land preservation programs, partnerships with commercial lenders, and business resources and planning tools for rural entrepreneurs. 

Maryland Department of Agriculture (home page)
Maryland Department of Natural Resources (home page)

  • Forestry Division - The Forestry Division of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources can assist landowners with the establishment, management, and harvesting of trees on their property.

  • Wildlife Division - The Wildlife Division of DNR manages the wildlife in the state. They handle complaints dealing with wildlife damage to crops and issue control permits and work with landowners to develop wildlife management plans.

Maryland FarmLink

Maryland FarmLink is a website that helps Maryland farmers buy, sell, and lease farmland as well as connect with other farmers. This website is run by the Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission.

Maryland State Bar Association (MSBA)

2020 Legal Services Directory

Mid-Atlantic Farm Credit

Mid-Atlantic Farm Credit is an agricultural lending cooperative. They offer farm, home, and land loans, as well as crop insurance. Farm Credit also has a Beginning Farmer Program and an AgBiz Masters Program for young and beginning farmers.

U.S. Deparment of Agriculture (home page)

  • Farm Service Agency - The Farm Service Agency (FSA) is a branch of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. FSA handles the government cost-share and price support programs, as well as low-interest loans. Disaster programs for drought, freeze, and hail are also handled by FSA. 

  • Grants and Loans

  • Natural Resources Conservation Service - The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is a branch of the United States Department of Agriculture. NRCS provides technical and financial assistance for installing farm practices that reduce soil erosion and benefit water quality. These practices include grass waterways, diversions, crop strips, ponds, watering troughs, manure pits, cover crops, stream buffers, and many more. NRCS also writes conservation plans, which are plans for the implementation of conservation practices on the farm.

  • New Farmer Website - USDA has a section of their website dedicated to new farmers, women in ag, young farmers, and veterans. Information on how to start a farm, business resources, and grants and loans are available on this website

Nutrient Management Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some quick FAQs regarding nutrient vouchers and certified farm operators (CFOs).

Q: How do I know if my nutrient voucher is still valid?
A: Each voucher holder should have a card with an expiration date on it, and MDA will also send out expiration notices in the mail.

Q: Can I look up if my nutrient voucher is still valid?
A: There is no online way to look them up, however voucher holders may contact MDA's regional offices or headquarters directly to look up that information or email nminfo.mda@maryland.gov.

Q: Where is the list of voucher training courses?
A: MDA Nutrient Management Training webpage

Q: What should a farmer do when attending nutrient voucher training to ensure his/her voucher is updated?
A: The host of the meeting will have sign-in sheets, make sure you sign in (this includes winter meetings for which voucher certification is offered).

Q: What is a certified farm operator (CFO)?
A: A CFO is a farmer who is certified to write their own nutrient management plan for their operation.

Q: I want to write my own plan, how do I become a CFO?
A: Sign up for a class!

Q: How many nutrient management CEUs do I need to keep my CFO certification valid?
A: You will need 2 credits within the first year, and 6 credits every 3 years thereafter.

Q: How do I know when my CFO certification needs to be renewed?
A: Each CFO should have a card with an expiration date on it, and MDA will also send out renewal notices in the mail.

Q: What do I do when I receive a renewal notice?
A: You will need to report qualifying CEUs that you received over the past 1 year/3 years and send the notice back to MDA. If you are unsure of when you received CEUs, you can contact MDA's regional offices or headquarters to find out. Good recordkeeping is your best bet.

Q: Where can I find out more about Nutrient Management?
A: University of MD Extension Agriculture Nutrient Management Program

Forage or Soil Probes

The Frederick County Extension Office has soil probes, and a forage (hay) probe that you may borrow to take your samples that you will send to a lab for analysis. 

1. Please download and fill out the Probe Sign-Out fillable form and email it to us to request an appointment to borrow a probe.

2. We will contact you and schedule your appointment to pick up the probe and drop off your $100.00 deposit (cash or check) for the use of the probe.  Probes are to be returned within a two-week time frame.  Pick-up times will be Monday-Friday 8:00 am- 4:30 pm during office hours.

3. Please contact our office to confirm when you will return the probe so we can exchange the probe for your deposit and have you sign that you received your returned deposit.  Drop-off times will be Monday-Friday 8:00 am- 4:30 pm during office hours.

Soil Probe

Point of contact: Lisa Strong  lstrong@umd.edu   301-600-3576

Soil Sampling and Testing information is available on the Agricultural Nutrient Management Program - Plan Writing Tools web page. Scroll down and open up #2 Soil Sampling and Testing drop down box. Here you will find up-to-date documents.

  • Soil Sampling Procedures for Nutrient Management Instruction Card for Producer Use
  • Comparison of Soil Test Labs
Forage Probe

Point of contact: Lisa Strong   lstrong@umd.edu   301-600-3576

List of Certified Labs - Click on the NFTA Certified Laboratories link.

Forage Sampler Usage:
Round shank adapter for use with electric drill of 1/2 hp or 18 volt capacity (recommended). Dowel plunger is supplied to remove moist or packed samples. Each sample needs to be removed prior to taking another sample.

Sampling Video (North Carolina State Extension)
Steps for Good Sampling Methods (University of California Extension)
Forage Sampling Procedures and Equipment (Kansas State Extension)

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Agronomy

March 17, 2025

  • We're Hiring
  • Wednesday Water Webinars: Flooding and Sea Level Rise Impacts to Wells and Septic  Systems
  • Ag Integrated Pest Management Web Series Understanding Bulletins Live!
  • Virginia Forage and Grassland Council: 2025 Fencing School
  • PSU Soil Compaction Meeting Fundamentals of Sheep Production
  • Heirs Property: Problems, Prevention and Resolution
  • Online Private Pesticide Recertification Training
  • UME Online Nutrient Applicator Voucher Recertification
  • Agriculture Innovation Grant Program

January 10, 2025

  • Women in Agriculture: Grain Budgeting - Simplified
  • Wednesday Water Webinars: Best Ways to Protect Your Septic System and Save Money
  • Virginia Farm Show
  • 2025 Future Harvest Conference
  • Maryland Livestock Processing Equipment Grant Program
  • 2025 Central Maryland Forage Conference
  • Beginning Farmer Success Course
  • 2025 Central Maryland Agronomy Update

Beef

March 17, 2025

  • We're Hiring
  • Wednesday Water Webinars: Flooding and Sea Level Rise Impacts to Wells and Septic  Systems
  • Ag Integrated Pest Management Web Series Understanding Bulletins Live!
  • Virginia Forage and Grassland Council: 2025 Fencing School
  • PSU Soil Compaction Meeting Fundamentals of Sheep Production
  • Heirs Property: Problems, Prevention and Resolution
  • Online Private Pesticide Recertification Training
  • UME Online Nutrient Applicator Voucher Recertification
  • Agriculture Innovation Grant Program

January 10, 2025

  • Women in Agriculture: Grain Budgeting - Simplified
  • Wednesday Water Webinars: Best Ways to Protect Your Septic System and Save Money
  • Virginia Farm Show
  • 2025 Future Harvest Conference
  • Maryland Livestock Processing Equipment Grant Program
  • 2025 Central Maryland Forage Conference
  • Beginning Farmer Success Course
  • 2025 Central Maryland Agronomy Update

Dairy

March 17, 2025

  • We're Hiring
  • Wednesday Water Webinars: Flooding and Sea Level Rise Impacts to Wells and Septic  Systems
  • Ag Integrated Pest Management Web Series Understanding Bulletins Live!
  • Virginia Forage and Grassland Council: 2025 Fencing School
  • PSU Soil Compaction Meeting Fundamentals of Sheep Production
  • Heirs Property: Problems, Prevention and Resolution
  • Online Private Pesticide Recertification Training
  • UME Online Nutrient Applicator Voucher Recertification
  • Agriculture Innovation Grant Program

January 10, 2025

  • Women in Agriculture: Grain Budgeting - Simplified
  • Wednesday Water Webinars: Best Ways to Protect Your Septic System and Save Money
  • Virginia Farm Show
  • 2025 Future Harvest Conference
  • Maryland Livestock Processing Equipment Grant Program
  • 2025 Central Maryland Forage Conference
  • Beginning Farmer Success Course
  • 2025 Central Maryland Agronomy Update

Pasture Walk

March 17, 2025

  • We're Hiring
  • Wednesday Water Webinars: Flooding and Sea Level Rise Impacts to Wells and Septic  Systems
  • Ag Integrated Pest Management Web Series Understanding Bulletins Live!
  • Virginia Forage and Grassland Council: 2025 Fencing School
  • PSU Soil Compaction Meeting Fundamentals of Sheep Production
  • Heirs Property: Problems, Prevention and Resolution
  • Online Private Pesticide Recertification Training
  • UME Online Nutrient Applicator Voucher Recertification
  • Agriculture Innovation Grant Program

January 10, 2025

  • Women in Agriculture: Grain Budgeting - Simplified
  • Wednesday Water Webinars: Best Ways to Protect Your Septic System and Save Money
  • Virginia Farm Show
  • 2025 Future Harvest Conference
  • Maryland Livestock Processing Equipment Grant Program
  • 2025 Central Maryland Forage Conference
  • Beginning Farmer Success Course
  • 2025 Central Maryland Agronomy Update

Small Farms

March 17, 2025

  • We're Hiring
  • Wednesday Water Webinars: Flooding and Sea Level Rise Impacts to Wells and Septic  Systems
  • Ag Integrated Pest Management Web Series Understanding Bulletins Live!
  • Virginia Forage and Grassland Council: 2025 Fencing School
  • PSU Soil Compaction Meeting Fundamentals of Sheep Production
  • Heirs Property: Problems, Prevention and Resolution
  • Online Private Pesticide Recertification Training
  • UME Online Nutrient Applicator Voucher Recertification
  • Agriculture Innovation Grant Program

January 10, 2025

  • Women in Agriculture: Grain Budgeting - Simplified
  • Wednesday Water Webinars: Best Ways to Protect Your Septic System and Save Money
  • Virginia Farm Show
  • 2025 Future Harvest Conference
  • Maryland Livestock Processing Equipment Grant Program
  • 2025 Central Maryland Forage Conference
  • Rodale Institute Webinar: Transforming Strawberry and Artichoke Systems: High-Residue Cover Cropping Innovations from the Specialty Crop Grant 2021
  • Beginning Farmer Success Course
  • 2025 Central Maryland Agronomy Update

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